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In an era where wellness culture is constantly evolving, there’s always a new trend promising a path to optimal well-being. From the food we eat to how we move our bodies, it’s clear that there’s more than one way to better ourselves from the inside out.
Thanks to the internet and social media trends, we’ve gained more access to varying types of workouts and wellness techniques than ever before. Whether you spent the year locking in on HIIT workouts or giving Pilates a spin, it seems that the days of one-size-fits-all fitness are a thing of the past. And as we enter the new year, it’s the perfect time to upgrade your self-care and workout routine to one that not only matches your lifestyle but fits seamlessly into your “new year, new me” vibe.
For 2024, we’re all seeking innovative ways to enhance our physical, mental, and emotional health. That’s why we’re delving into some of the hottest wellness and fitness trends for the forthcoming year so that you stay on top of your goals and ahead of the curve.
1.Going Deeper
Leave the small talk for elevators in 2024 because this is the year conversations go beyond the surface.
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Leave the small talk for the elevators because 2024 will be the year of conversations that go beyond the surface. In a recent report by Pinterest, “Big Talk” will be the latest way to form deeper connections with friends, lovers, and family. The platform states that “Gen Z and Millennials will drive this trend, searching for new conversation starters and intimate questions to help couples reconnect.” So when it comes to your mental well-being, the more vulnerable you’re willing to go, the better.
2.Mobility Exercises for Longevity
We know, stretching can sometimes feel like the more monotonous part of your workouts, but what if we told you that it could be the key to unlocking a better quality of life? Mobility workouts are exercise routines designed to enhance the range of motion and flexibility of your joints and muscles. These workouts focus on improving the ability of your body to move freely through dynamic stretches, controlled movements, and joint articulations.
In 2024, the incorporation of these movements is set to be the top priority for those looking to increase flexibility, reduce stiffness, and enhance overall functional movement — so don’t skip the stretches.
3.Social Sports
It’s time to rally up your girls because next year, we’re taking our workouts from solo acts to group activations. Group sports are looking to pick up in popularity, with low-impact activities like badminton, golf, and pickleball becoming all the rage. The need for community is at an all-time high as many individuals seek third places and immerse themselves in a post-pandemic world. With the increasing need for in-person connection, people will find more enjoyment in joint activities than flying solo.
4.Kicking Into Action
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When it comes to staying active in 2024, boxing might be your new thing.
PeopleImages/Getty Images
When it comes to staying active in 2024, the boxing ring may be what you’re looking for. Pinterest reports that the next great stress reliever will come in the form of taking a few punches and kicks with activities like karate, kickboxing, and jiu-jitsu. Just imagine breaking a sweat all while relieving some pent-up stress — sounds like a win-win scenario to us.
5.Bungee Workouts
If you’ve felt your day-to-day exercises getting a little stale, this new trend might just be what you need to bring the life back into your routines. Bungee fitness is a high-intensity cardio workout that requires individuals to engage their core and legs to maintain control during the airborne and downward phases from a mix of ballet, Pilates, and yoga movements. Bungee classes are popping up all over, so it’s the perfect time to add this new exercise to your fitness bucket list.
6.Digital Detox and Slow Living
It’s safe to say that everyone’s a bit burned out and tired. If it’s not the weight of our everyday responsibilities beaconing for our attention, it’s inflation, global conflicts, and more asking for it. And as the pendulum swings towards mass distraction, it’s bound to swing back in the direction of inner peace and unplugging. That’s why 2024 will be a big year for booking trips that focus on true relaxation and slowing down with little to no noise from the outside world.
These trips aren’t for exploration, they’re for introspection — taking time to recharge and embracing a lazy morning or two. For your next staycation, keep your mental health in mind.
7.Power Pilates
Pilates was everywhere this year, and in 2024, it’s bringing an even more dynamic routine to your reformer. Power Pilates provides a low-impact, full-body workout that not only strengthens the deep core but also fosters mobility, body awareness, and improved posture while enhancing the mind-body connection. So, if you’re looking to take your Pilates routine up a notch, give Power Pilates a try.
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Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Did You Know That Certain Traits In Men Can Make It Easier For You To Orgasm?
Recently, while doing a podcast interview on how God, love, and sex all work together, I shared something that I find myself saying quite a bit to church folks (whenever those topics, together, come up): “The main purpose of sex is not procreation, it’s oneness. Adam and Eve did not procreate until after they left the Garden of Eden. They had sex prior to that, though.” (Genesis 2:24-25, Genesis 4:1)
The reason why I think that this is relevant to today’s topic is, as I was doing some research for it, I found myself rolling my eyes quite a bit as I read things like “men need to orgasm in order to release sperm; women don’t need an orgasm to conceive” and “Why do women orgasm? It’s still a mystery.” Umm, is it? Because if you factor in the oneness component that I just mentioned (which more people should take to heart if you ask me) and then add to that the fact that the ONLY purpose of a clitoris is sexual stimulation and satisfaction for a woman — female climaxing and the need for it to happen as much as possible should baffle absolutely no one.
Sex serves a layer of benefits and yes, for both men and women, pleasure should be one of them. And since that is the case, a woman being able to orgasm, as much as she can, should be promoted…in content on a consistent basis.
And that is why I thought some of you might find it interesting that there are certain things about men, specifically, that science says can increase the chances of you climaxing — not only more but more intensely too.
Let’s dive in.
How Masculine a Man Is
I’m gonna be honest: All of the women out here who give pushback on submission and yet want a man to physically look up to (you know, someone who is 6’ or over which is only 15 percent of the male US population, by the way) fascinate me. So, you want a man who towers over you yet you think it is antiquated for a man to lead you? Do tell. Anyway, that is the first thing I thought about when I read that a man’s level of masculinity plays a significant role in how often a woman is able to orgasm and how quickly she is able to do it.
It would appear that some of the backstory on this is, on the physical tip, men with strong jawlines and broad shoulders represent being in good health as well as being able to protect their family while research also reveals that men with beards make many women believe that they would be good fathers. And yes, as much as social media may say — or scream — otherwise, women tend to prefer dominant (exerting authority or influence) men more as well. All of this together, in the bedroom, results in more and faster orgasms for women. Fascinating.
A Man’s Personality
A sense of humor in a man can really take him a long way in life — including when it comes to giving women orgasms. That’s why articles like “Funny Men Give The Best Orgasms, According To Research” exist. Although it’s probably a given that a lot of us are drawn to this character trait because it makes us feel good, research also says that humor taps into our creativity, makes it easier for us to adapt to things, and can help us to be better problem-solvers too.
Sexually, I would think that being funny helps because humor and orgasms both provide dopamine hits which is the feel-good hormone that runs throughout our bodies. While we’re on this topic, other personality traits that will make you cum more when it comes to men include being creative, warm, and faithful — gee, imagine that. #sarcasm
Also, a Man’s Self-Esteem
I’m pretty sure it doesn’t surprise you in the least that the more intense your orgasms are with a guy, the more attractive you’ll find him to be and the more willing you’ll be to have sex with him multiple times a week. Yeah, y’all be careful with this one because something else that science says is whenever a really good orgasm comes your way, as a woman, your brain literally switches all the way off for a moment (which could explain a lot when it comes to who some people choose to deal with out here…just sayin’). Anyway, apparently it would seem that a truly confident man is who’s able to pull all of this off.
That makes sense because confidence is all about having a high sense of self-worth; embracing challenges; not having a lot of self-doubt; listening well to others; standing firm on one’s own beliefs; putting plans into action, and taking control of one’s life. Plus, since a lot of women will admit that they prefer a man to be a provider and protector, which in turn causes them to feel safe, and feeling safe also makes it easier to let go and enjoy sex fully — yes, all of this tracks.
Foreskin
If no one else will say it, I WILL: the double standard on foreskin vs. the extra skin that a lot of women have when it comes to their vulva is absolutely ridiculous. In fact, if you know some things about your clitoris, it’s constructed a lot like a mini-penis in the sense of it experiences an erection of sorts when it’s aroused and the clitoral hood is the clitoris’s “foreskin.” So, to be out here giving the “ick” to men for how they were born when some of us have large or hanging lips — yeah, let’s chill on that.
Besides, according to science, “uncut men” not only have a greater level of sensation during sex, but that extra bit of skin (which isn’t as much as a lot of y’all make it out to be…relax) actually gives women more consistent orgasms too. Don’t believe me? Read this here and this here.
If He Ejaculates
I dunno. If you’re not a selfish partner, this one seems like common sense because, if a man “completes the act”, that means he was able to “get his” and that seems like something any good lover would want for their partner (the only thing better? Experiencing it with him at the same time!). However, what I did find interesting is there’s a greater chance that a woman will orgasm herself if she knows that her partner came.
In fact, one study said that a little over 50 percent of women thought that it was very important that their partner ejaculated during sex while a little over 22 percent said that they experienced more intense orgasms if he came during intercourse.
Some studies say that the sensation of the sperm inside of the vagina may play a role in this; however, since that means that you must engage in unprotected sex (check out “Thinking About Going Condom-Free? Read This Before You Do.”) in order to vouch for this one…I’ll just say to use forethought, wisdom and definitely get tested before attempting it.
BONUS: How Your Friends See Him
The more you learn, boy. Have any of you heard of the sexy son hypothesis before? The gist is this: If you create children with someone who other women find attractive, the belief is that you will end up having sons who have that same quality. And yes, being with someone who you think is appealing to other women — seems to increase the chances of you having an orgasm too (chile).
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Hmph. It’s intel like this that explains why so many think pieces say that the brain is the most powerful sex organ that we have. Anyway, if you’re someone who wants to have more orgasms or more intense orgasms, perhaps take some of this data to heart. For all you know, it might be the blueprint that you’ve been looking for all along.
Thoughts? Comments. Confirmations? LOL.
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